A new rider has taken up the mantle of the Rolex Grand Slam. On the final day of the Dutch Masters, Germany's Daniel Deusser won the prestigious Rolex Grand Prix.

In all, twelve competitors made a clear round on the initial course designed by Louis Konickx, qualifying for the jump-off comprising nine obstacles. To the delight of the crowd who turned out in force on this Sunday afternoon, no fewer than 4 of them were Dutch.

To the cheers of the crowd, Harrie Smolders and Monaco were the first to complete the double clear, with an impressive time of 38.03 seconds, taking pole position. Jack Ansems also managed to avoid dropping any bars, but was unable to cut into Harrie Smolders' time to take second place. With 10 competitors still in the running, including Daniel Deusser and Scuderia 1918 Tobago Z, currently in great form, the suspense was at its height. And it was with exceptional fluidity and 0.13 seconds off the time that this formidable duo managed to dethrone Smolders. Marcus Ehning (Germany) and Scott Brash (Great Britain), who were both faster but had to pay a four-point penalty at the final hurdle, were unable to prevent Deusser from retaining the lead. All eyes now turn to the second Major of the Rolex Grand Slam 2022, the CHIO in Aachen, Germany. Daniel Deusser will be called upon to defend his title there.

Congratulations! You looked very comfortable in the warm-up. Did the course suit your style and that of Scuderia 1918 Tobago Z?

Indeed, I was feeling good because my horse has been in very good shape over the last two weeks. That said, you also need to be in good shape on the big day! Scuderia 1918 Tobago Z jumped very well in the first round, but we had a lot of competition for the jump-off, which always creates extra pressure. That meant I had to think a bit more about my strategy. I decided to take a stride off between the first and second obstacles. But even with a seemingly ideal performance, you have to wait until all the other riders have gone through to be sure of victory. Fortunately, the couples who tried to beat the time dropped a bar at the last obstacle. I'm obviously delighted with the final result.

Did you adapt your strategy when you saw Harrie Smolders' time?

No, I didn't think about that at all. I'd done my reconnaissance of the course before the event, and I'd made my decision then. Everything went according to plan, and it's a real pleasure when that happens!

Angelica Augustsson Zanotelli & Marlon Modolo Zanotelli

Are you delighted to be taking part in the first Rolex Grand Slam Major of the year?

Angelica : Yes, we're absolutely delighted. It's my first time here, and being here with Marlon makes it even more special for me. I'm sure we'll have a great weekend!

Marlon : I was looking forward to it because I put in a good performance here last year. My horse is in good shape and should put in a good performance, at least I hope so. It's great to be here with Angelica and to have twice the chance of winning!

What are your plans and ambitions for 2022?

Angelica : It's shaping up to be a good year, with new opportunities opening up for me for the first time, like this weekend. I've never competed in a Rolex Grand Slam Major before. I've also qualified for the World Cup Final for the first time, which is a prospect I'm really excited about.

Marlon : I'm looking forward to the various events in the Rolex Grand Slam. Winning a Major would be a dream for me. Last year, I came very close. The aim is obviously to win at least one, but three in a row would be even better! We're also looking forward to taking part in the World Equestrian Games this year. Winning a major championship is one of my dearest dreams as a rider. In short, we have an exciting year ahead of us!​​​​​​​

Marlon, you've had some exceptional results recently. What factors do you attribute this success to?

Marlon : To the overall work of my team. The owners I work with give me their full support, and my home team is fantastic. I've just come back from two weeks of competition, but our in-house grooms and riders look after our horses very well in my absence. Angelica herself prepared Grand Slam VDL for me to ride here this weekend. The people around me are the key to my success. I'm incredibly lucky to have such a strong, close-knit team.​​​​​​​

Which horses did you bring with you this weekend?

Marlon : Grand Slam VDL, whose name fits the event perfectly! He is now 11 years old and has made a lot of progress over the last year. He jumped very well in the Saturday evening event here last year, with a double clear which earned him 4th place. I'm expecting a lot from him this year. He has more experience and he's very fit. I hope the Rolex Grand Prix on Sunday will be to his advantage.

Angelica : I've brought two horses, a wonderful 12-year-old mare called Kalinka van de Nachtegaele, who has the necessary experience and has already done well. She'll be my lead horse this year. Then I have another nine-year-old mare, Danna RJ. She has less experience than expected at this level, due to the COVID pandemic, but she has a lot of potential, and I can't wait to see what she's capable of.​​​​​​​

Do you compete with each other on the track?

Marlon : I have a competitive spirit, but not just at work! I hate losing, even at cards at home. I try to encourage Angelica...​​​​​​​

Angelica : I always let him win!​​​​​​​

Marlon : Angelica also has a competitive spirit, and once on the track, she always creates sparks. I think we both want to win, but not necessarily at the expense of the other. We support each other and encourage each other to excel.​​​​​​​

How do you decide who gets to ride which horse?

Marlon : I'd say it's the horses that choose us, rather than the other way round. We try to see which horse suits each of us best. Sometimes we share a horse during the season, depending on where the competitions take place.​​​​​​​

Do you ever argue about horses?

Angelica : No...

Marlon : Yes, of course... [laughs]. During Angelica's pregnancy, I had to ride her horses. She was the most demanding owner I've ever had!​​​​​​​

Do you follow the same preparation programme?

Marlon : Yes, and that's one of the reasons why I've made so much progress as a rider. Over the last five years, Angelica has supported me and been with me every step of the way. We haven't experienced the same things. For example, Angelica was based in Germany for many years. We help each other to evolve and progress, and that's where our strength lies.​​​​​​​

Angelica : We are incredibly lucky to be able to do our job together. Every day we train together and exchange ideas. We make a great team. It's a situation that is the envy of many professional riders.​​​​​​​

What do you think is the other's greatest asset?

Angelica : Marlon has a lot going for him. He's very talented and understands his horses like no one else. He has an extraordinary ability to get the horses to cooperate with him, with whom he works in total synergy. He also has a competitive spirit. Whatever the horse, his aim is to win, and he often succeeds. Marlon really does have a natural gift for working with equines.​​​​​​​

Jack Ryan

You've started the year very well. What are your plans and ambitions for 2022?

I'd like to keep going! And with a bit of luck, compete in a few other Nations Cup events and other Rolex Grand Slam majors.

Which horses did you bring with you this weekend?

Only BBS McGregor. He's my only competition horse at the moment, so I'm hoping he'll be in excellent form this weekend.

Tell us about it...

He has a strong personality. He can sometimes be annoying, always poking you in the arm, but he's very gentle and well-behaved otherwise.

Are you delighted to be taking part in the Dutch Masters?

I'm delighted! I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the Rolex Young Riders Academy and all the people who have helped me get to this point. The programme has given me a lot of support. Frank Kemperman, Eleonora Ottaviani, Emile Hendrix and the rest of the team have all been invaluable.

Who has inspired you most in your career?

Marcus Ehning. He is the best rider in the world and his performances are breathtaking. Last week, he won the Grand Prix in Doha in a very relaxed manner. He's incredible.

Describe a typical day in your life.

I recently moved to Jos Lansink's stables, an opportunity that came about through the Rolex Young Riders Academy. I normally start at 7.30am on BBS McGregor and then ride Jos' horses for the rest of the day. I've only been there a week, but I get to ride lots of different horses, and it's great to be part of a team and get to know everyone.

Which riders have taught you the most?

I worked with Shane Breen for two years, and I learnt a lot from him. I was able to ride some exceptional horses and go to some top level competitions. It was thanks to him that I joined the Rolex Young Riders Academy, and I owe him a lot. I've only been with Jos for a week, but I've already acquired a lot of new knowledge.

Is it important to have followers on social networks?

I really need to improve in this area, as it's quite important for riders these days.

How do you reconcile work and free time?

Horses come first. That said, I do like to go out for dinner from time to time.